Characterisation of the first KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST340 from Peru

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterise a KPC-carrying Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate from a Peruvian hospital setting.

Methods: The identity of the isolate was confirmed by amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, and the antibiotic resistance profile was determined by disk diffusion and automated methods The sequence type (ST) and phylogenetic group were established by PCR. The presence of different β-lactamase genes was determined, including bla_MBL, bla_KPC, bla_CTX-M, bla_SHV, bla_OXA-1-like, bla_OXA-2-like, bla_OXA-5-like, bla_OXA-48-like and bla_TEM and up to six different plasmid-encoded AmpC genes as well as class 1 integrons. The conjugability of β-lactam resistance was assessed by conjugation.

Results: The isolate was confirmed to be K. pneumoniae classified as belonging to the KpI phylogenetic group within ST340, which belongs to the high-risk clonal complex 258 (CC258). The isolate was resistant to all β-lactam agents tested, with only the presence of a non-conjugative bla_KPC-2 gene being detected and carried in a non-classical genetic structure.

Conclusions: This is the first description of a member of CC258 and of a bla_KPC-2 gene in Peru. Intensive surveillance is needed to determine the relevance of both in this area.

Keywords: Genetic environment; KPC; Peru; South America; β-Lactamase.